With 9 people in our family I think I have made Christmas cookies about 5-6 times already. And they keep disapearing quickly.
But with helpers like these it's not a big deal to begin again.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
um, yes, yes I did do that....
Have you ever done something that you really didn't want to do....something you said you would wait on because you really needed it like you need a hole in your head...
You know what I'm talking about, right? All the way up to the nice guys house and on into the kennel I kept telling the kids....this is not gonna happen, we are so not going to buy this puppy.
And then, I looked at her sweet face and the guy went down on price because she was the last one left....and I held her because I just had to you know??
And that was it, my heart melted and I knew that there was no way I was leaving that house without her. Just no way. Plus I had 6 of the 7 kids with me and there was no way they were going to let me leave without her...
So, here she is Ms. Daisy..i think Ms. Daisy....I can't remember that name and it just doesn't fit her...I think. So I am open to suggestions...
You know what I'm talking about, right? All the way up to the nice guys house and on into the kennel I kept telling the kids....this is not gonna happen, we are so not going to buy this puppy.
And then, I looked at her sweet face and the guy went down on price because she was the last one left....and I held her because I just had to you know??
And that was it, my heart melted and I knew that there was no way I was leaving that house without her. Just no way. Plus I had 6 of the 7 kids with me and there was no way they were going to let me leave without her...
So, here she is Ms. Daisy..i think Ms. Daisy....I can't remember that name and it just doesn't fit her...I think. So I am open to suggestions...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The toddler duo and baking
We decided to make cookies today....needless to say I spent more time cleaning up after than actually making the cookies but priceless memories were made and thats what matters!!
The girls had their own section of counter to ummm "make" cookies and I was at the other end making the keepers ;o
Can you see the sugar all the way over by my mixer?!?! And the leap pad, not sure why that was there.
We did have some that turned out and I bet they will be gone by 5pm...better put a couple away for the hubs!!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Bonding and RAD
J has been with us 7 months now~ And things are....ok. I wouldn't say great and I wouldn't say awful. Things just are~
Some days are wonderful and everything goes smoothly. He acts like any other normal 6 almost 7 year old.
Other days things are not so good. That's the reality when you adopt an older child. They come with alot of baggage and bad memories and maybe if you are lucky some good memories.
J had a foster mom. And even if she never tucked him in at night or had time to read him a book or even walk him to school (at age 4!!) She was still his mom. Someone he loved and had an attachment to. A mom I have had to compete with.
J has basicly been taking care of himself since he was 2. He lived with his foster mom but she was a busy lady and had quite a few responibilities.
I asked him the other day how many meals he had during the day. His reply, 2. No snacks, no in between foods, just 2. Sometimes he would get chicken feet if they had to run an errand and he was a good boy. Now I understand why my almost 7 year old is the size of my 4 year old.
And the school thing. I asked him if he attended school. (fully knowing he did, just wanted his prospective and not China's) He said yes, he did. I asked him how he got there. He said he walked, mostly by himself, sometimes with a friend.
Ouch~ If you have ever been to China you know how busy the streets are and no traffic laws or lights. When asked how far he walked he said it was long long way, much longer than walking to Grandpa and Grandma's house. They live 4 blocks away. Wow, a 4 year old in China walking alone to school. Can you imagine?
Makes me understand his bonding and trauma issues a little better. Doesn't make it any easier but my understanding and attitude are a bit different now. Which helps. That and lots of praying.
That's not to say we dont have our issues and he may still run out of the house half dressed and screaming "I hate you" (yes he has done this) or hitting, kicking and spitting on me or his siblings.
(yes this has happened also) Thankfully most of it seems directed at me. We have also had days where he has missed school because he was raging at the time. And that is ok to.
He doesn't know how to deal with his emotions in a healthy way yet. But with counseling, things are getting a bit better. And yes, do not be afraid to seek out help. It doesn't make you a failure at all.
They may be just the non partial people to help. And a good healthy cry is also helpful. But once done, get back up, wash off your face and get back to it. Because it will get better. Some days will seem like you are backtracking but that one day you get that unprompted "i luba you ma" will make it all worth it.
God brought Josh into our lives for a reason and he is our son. Days may not always be sunny and fun but that folks is parenting. And in a few years or maybe months God willing we will have our routine back and a son who really wants and loves to be a part of our family.
Some days are wonderful and everything goes smoothly. He acts like any other normal 6 almost 7 year old.
Other days things are not so good. That's the reality when you adopt an older child. They come with alot of baggage and bad memories and maybe if you are lucky some good memories.
J had a foster mom. And even if she never tucked him in at night or had time to read him a book or even walk him to school (at age 4!!) She was still his mom. Someone he loved and had an attachment to. A mom I have had to compete with.
J has basicly been taking care of himself since he was 2. He lived with his foster mom but she was a busy lady and had quite a few responibilities.
I asked him the other day how many meals he had during the day. His reply, 2. No snacks, no in between foods, just 2. Sometimes he would get chicken feet if they had to run an errand and he was a good boy. Now I understand why my almost 7 year old is the size of my 4 year old.
And the school thing. I asked him if he attended school. (fully knowing he did, just wanted his prospective and not China's) He said yes, he did. I asked him how he got there. He said he walked, mostly by himself, sometimes with a friend.
Ouch~ If you have ever been to China you know how busy the streets are and no traffic laws or lights. When asked how far he walked he said it was long long way, much longer than walking to Grandpa and Grandma's house. They live 4 blocks away. Wow, a 4 year old in China walking alone to school. Can you imagine?
Makes me understand his bonding and trauma issues a little better. Doesn't make it any easier but my understanding and attitude are a bit different now. Which helps. That and lots of praying.
That's not to say we dont have our issues and he may still run out of the house half dressed and screaming "I hate you" (yes he has done this) or hitting, kicking and spitting on me or his siblings.
(yes this has happened also) Thankfully most of it seems directed at me. We have also had days where he has missed school because he was raging at the time. And that is ok to.
He doesn't know how to deal with his emotions in a healthy way yet. But with counseling, things are getting a bit better. And yes, do not be afraid to seek out help. It doesn't make you a failure at all.
They may be just the non partial people to help. And a good healthy cry is also helpful. But once done, get back up, wash off your face and get back to it. Because it will get better. Some days will seem like you are backtracking but that one day you get that unprompted "i luba you ma" will make it all worth it.
God brought Josh into our lives for a reason and he is our son. Days may not always be sunny and fun but that folks is parenting. And in a few years or maybe months God willing we will have our routine back and a son who really wants and loves to be a part of our family.
Monday, November 12, 2012
It's been awhile, right??
Having a child with issues will do that to you. Not many people talk about what happens when you adopt an older child. Or what you deal with when your child has RAD. Or tons of baggage.
It's not easy and everyone suffers. Not just the child or the parents, EVERYONE.
How many of you out there are dealing with this?
There should be a group or something to help adoptive parents through this.....
It's not easy and everyone suffers. Not just the child or the parents, EVERYONE.
How many of you out there are dealing with this?
There should be a group or something to help adoptive parents through this.....
Friday, October 19, 2012
Bonding and Family
Being honest about the home transition is tough in adoption land....Everyone wants to think it's all sunshine and roses. And mostly, it is. But when you adopt an older child it's a little different.
The child comes with preconceived notions and a whole slew of history that you were not apart of. And if you are lucky, your child was fostered and has learned to atttach and form relationships.
With J and I we had this dance, two steps forward one step back. Always with him doing great and then for no reason acting out and being, well just awful to me and some of his siblings.
Long story short our local adoption clinic gave us this wonderful book.
You can find the book by clicking on the picture.
It has been a life saver for us. Seriously, overnight things have been more calm. Which is great, because with 7 kids when we have a little drama it turns into a lot of drama.
The book has also helped me understand quite a bit about my reactions to things and helped spin everything in a positive way. Which is a great thing.
The child comes with preconceived notions and a whole slew of history that you were not apart of. And if you are lucky, your child was fostered and has learned to atttach and form relationships.
With J and I we had this dance, two steps forward one step back. Always with him doing great and then for no reason acting out and being, well just awful to me and some of his siblings.
Long story short our local adoption clinic gave us this wonderful book.
You can find the book by clicking on the picture.
It has been a life saver for us. Seriously, overnight things have been more calm. Which is great, because with 7 kids when we have a little drama it turns into a lot of drama.
The book has also helped me understand quite a bit about my reactions to things and helped spin everything in a positive way. Which is a great thing.
Monday, October 1, 2012
adding an older child to the mix~
And I wouldn't consider J an older child necessarily. He is 6. Emotionaly more like 3 sometimes.
As much as we have had to adjust, he has had more adjustments. New language, new house, new clothing, new food....you get the idea.
He came to us eager to be excepted, eager to be loved. Wanting to fit in.
He seemed to want to forget China, saying that he wasn't Chinese but American.
It made me think that someone had told him to say this. That he wouldn't be accepted if he did otherwise....
And always seemed to smile.
And show us a bit of his funny side.
And his desire to be part of a family. He is good to his sister Rachel....they are two peas in a pod.
but every once in a while, I see that look in his eyes. The look that says he is scared. Or in deep thought.....
Six long years~ six years that he could have spent with a family but did without.
And I promise you J, you wait no more and you will always be loved and be our son.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136
As much as we have had to adjust, he has had more adjustments. New language, new house, new clothing, new food....you get the idea.
He came to us eager to be excepted, eager to be loved. Wanting to fit in.
He seemed to want to forget China, saying that he wasn't Chinese but American.
It made me think that someone had told him to say this. That he wouldn't be accepted if he did otherwise....
He experienced many firsts here with us.
And always seemed to smile.
And show us a bit of his funny side.
And his desire to be part of a family. He is good to his sister Rachel....they are two peas in a pod.
but every once in a while, I see that look in his eyes. The look that says he is scared. Or in deep thought.....
Six long years~ six years that he could have spent with a family but did without.
And I promise you J, you wait no more and you will always be loved and be our son.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136
Autumn Fun~
Seems like summer has slipped by and Autumn has come already.
We have a busy October.....surgeries for one, genetics testing for another. In between homeschooling a few and finding our rhythm with #7. Which is a post for another time~
Adoption isn't for the faint of heart. It is a journey.
So many firsts for our little 6 year old.....first lost tooth, first haircut, first wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.....
And these two.....goodness, I thought for sure Joshua would be close to Hope, who is only a year older than her....but he took to Rachel right away and I always find them close....giggling.
Conspiring, holding hands. I think he likes to look out for her. She is younger than him by 3 1/2 years. However they are emotionally about the same age.
Hope you are all having a great start to your fall. And if you think about it, say a prayer for our Gracie, she is having cleft surgery October 10. Hopefully her last.
And also Rachel, who will begin genetics testing once again in addition to a long list of medical tests.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Helping a friend in need....
I have a very dear friend, her name is Robin. I have known her since we adopted Hope way back in 2006....even before. We have traded quilt squares for 100 good wishes quilts and she has mentored me in sewing, even helping us out when we fundraised our way through 4 adoption.
And now Robin and her family are steppig out once again in faith and bringing home sweet baby Grace.
www.blessedx7.scentsy.com
And now Robin and her family are steppig out once again in faith and bringing home sweet baby Grace.
This sweetheart is special to me as she is from our Gracie's orphanage.
And I want to help Robin so that she doesnt have to spend all her time sewing and missing her family.
So, I have decided to have a Scentsy fundraiser for her. All profits from all sales I get from
September 14 until September 30, will go towards their adoption of Grace.
All you have to do to place an order is visit my site here.
Place your order and thats it, when I get paid October 1, I will send Robin the check!! Easy Peasy!!
and just look at these awesome holiday warmers.
www.blessedx7.scentsy.com
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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